A Brandon Marsh Bittern.

For me Waxwings and Bitterns are magical birds because it doesn't how often you've seen them or how many shots you've got they are always great to see them again.So on Tuesday morning at Brandon I was pleased to see a Bittern again.

I got there mid morning and was disappointed to see the forecast was wrong yet again as it was very gloomy,damp and a cold wind was blowing.I didn't meet any birders as I made my way down the main path the reason for this was explained as I entered the East Marsh hide everyone was in there.The place was full probably because a Bittern had flown into the reeds half an hour ago.

I joined some friends at the end of the hide waiting patiently for it to show.Nothing showed for 45 minutes and when the Bittern did come out darting across the channel we were all caught napping mainly because we had been distracted by Kath who insisted on telling dirty jokes.This is the best I did which turned out to going,going gone shots.

Another hour later it appeared again this time to the front of the hide but well hidden in the reeds.Got a couple of more typical Bittern shots.

By this time I'd lost my seat and was standing at the back so when the Bittern flew across the front of the hide I messed up and didn't get a decent flight shot.This is my least bad shot.